Kensington Gardens to host Africa House

The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) has chosen London's Kensington Gardens as its collective base for the 2012 Games.

Kensington Gardens to host Africa House
Kensington Gardens to host Africa House

Each of the 53 African nations will be represented in the continental house – a first for the Olympic Games.  

The site, which has capacity for 2,000 visitors at one time, will be located next to the Albert Memorial and will showcase culture, art and sport from across Africa via a wealth of exhibition stands, performances and restaurants.

It will be open to the public and free to access from 27 July to 12 August 2012.

ANOCA President intendant general Lassana Palenfo said: "We created Africa House to offer the National Olympic Committees and African athletes a unique opportunity to fully participate in the great Olympic festivities, whatever their means.

"This area will act as an exceptional showcase for our continent, in the eyes of the public at large, the eight million visitors expected during the Games and also decision makers from around the world. A big thank you goes out to The Royal Parks for assisting us in this. We are extremely proud that for this world first, Africa House will benefit from being located in such a prestigious environment."

Africa House will also serve as a reception site for African sports heads, political and economic leaders and media as well as sponsorship partners and Olympic officials.

London & Partners head of event solutions Zanine Adams added: "We have been delighted to work with the ANOCA to support their Games time plans for the Africa House. The village will be a wonderful addition to the array of cultural experiences and NOC Houses which will be opening up across the city next year.

"I'm sure Africa House will be a 'must see' destination for both Londoners and visitors, with an exciting mix of entertainment, culture and food - all making it a very popular experience."

A planning application for the House will be submitted to Westminster City Council later this year.

Kensington Gardens is the latest in a number of London venues which have been chosen as Olympic houses, including , , , , , and .

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